Product Description

Ever since the days of the apostles Paul and James, who seemed to be in contradiction, Christians have struggled to define the proper tension between faith and works. Salvation, Paul stresses, is "not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). But James argues, "Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:18). In clear and compelling terms, best-selling author John MacArthur reconciles these two seemingly divergent threads of biblical truth, addressing the difficult questions head on: What is cheap grace?; Have some Christians adopted a "no-lordship" theology?; What must a person do to be considered righteous by God?; Do your works have any affect on your salvation.

Publisher's Description

Ever since the days of the apostles Paul and James, Christians have struggled to define the proper tension between faith and works. Salvation, Paul stresses is "not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). But James argues, "Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works" (2:18).

In his characteristic compelling style Dr. MacArthur reconciles these two seemingly divergent threads of biblical truth, taking on the difficult questions head on:

What is cheap grace?

Have some Christians adopted a "no-lordship" theology?

What must a person do to be considered righteous by God?

Do our works have any affect on our salvation?

Jesus asked his followers, "Why do you call me Lord and not do the things that I tell you to?" When John MacArthur dared in his earlier book to ask us this question, critics accused him of shelving grace. Others read the same book and heard in it the identical message preached since the founding of the Church.

"The Gospel According to the Apostles is the same gospel Jesus preached," Dr. MacArthur says, "but it differs dramatically from the diluted message popular today. I pray you'll find this book an encouragement as you seek to put your own faith to work."

Author Bio

John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, president of the Masters University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry. Grace to You radio, video, audio, print, and website resources reach millions worldwide each day. In more than four decades of ministry, John has written dozens of bestselling books, including the MacArthur New Testament Commentary series, The Gospel According to Jesus, Twelve Ordinary Men, Twelve Extraordinary Women,Slave, and The MacArthur Study Bible. He and his wife, Patricia, have four married children and fifteen grandchildren.

I first read The Gospel According To The Apostles (formerly, Faith Works) back in 1994, and I read it once per year for the next six years. This book became a turning point in my life and my theology. MacArthur unfolded for me the difference between what most American Christians have come to believe is the Gospel and what the Apostles of Jesus Christ say the Gospel is, and I'm eternally better off for it.

Many critics (especially among the popular Dispensationalist camp) have accused MacArthur of teaching a works-based righteousness (as opposed to a grace-based righteousness), but for someone who has actually read the book both thoughtfully and repeatedly, I can say with a certain amount of confidence that MacArthur's critics are simply wrong.

If you've been persuaded by the rhetoric of MacArthur's critics but have not read The Gospel According To The Apostles, let me encourage you to purchase it, find a quiet place to sit and read it, and let MacArthur's clear logic and accurate Bible-centered teaching speak for itself. And once you've read The Gospel According To The Apostles, then give a close read to MacArthur's Gospel According to Jesus. I think you'll be glad you did.

If you are looking for a book that will blow your hair back, this is it. I've read The Gospel According to the Apostles once a year since it was published (originally titled, Faith Works). The Lord used this book to convert me from Arminianism to Calvinism, and I thank God for it. Absolutely outstanding book.